teen spotlight
photography by Lauren Childs
stats
14, Freshman at Clay-Chalkville High School
notable
Played football for six years
Track and field
how it began
When Lawson was a baby, he was involved in a serious car
accident that launched him out of his car seat and left him with
a serious brain injury and lengthy recovery. “He’s been through a
lot with the doctors, x-rays and physical therapy,” said his mom
Latorra, who admits that the accident took a toll on her and
caused her to be a bit overprotective.
But Lawson didn’t let the injury or the significant challenges
it brought with it slow him down for too long. Since the accident,
Lawson has continued to make tremendous progress. “I just
thank God his injury is not severe anymore,” said Latorra. His
doctors have cleared him to play and perform like a normal
child, and Lawson has done just that. In the 3rd grade, he
decided to try playing a game he’s spent countless hours
watching on TV: football. To this day he still enjoys the game
and is looking forward to playing football in high school and
then in college.
When asked who he looks up to the most, Lawson stated that
he likes Mark Ingram (a running back in the NFL) because they
share the same position. He also said his motto is “Go hard or go
home,” a quote that helps him give his best in his endeavors.
what’s next
Like many football players, Lawson hopes to take his talent to
the LSU field in Baton Rouge while pursuing a degree in biology
“because I’m good at science.”
lawson hinkle
PG (parental guidance) rating
Birmingham, AL
“My mom is more of a cheerleader because she tells me what I
need to hear; and my dad is more of the coach because he pushes
me to go harder and mentors me,” said Lawson.
parents’ perspective
Parents, Lawson and Latorra, admire their son’s progression and
work ethic. “He’s come a long way in school. He’s good in
academics and good in football,” Latorra said, “He never gave up
on his dreams.”
parent-to-parent
Lawson’s mother Latorra Hinkle was raised primarily by her
widowed mother, who inspired her to work hard and pursue
her interests. “She taught me to go out and get it, never give
up, stay strong, and don’t let anybody tell you, you can’t do
anything,” says Latorra.
Her mother’s words of wisdom combined with her son’s head
injury inspired her to go back to school and enter the medical field.
Her advice to other parents is to: “Be patient. Listen to your
children. Don’t let your job interfere with raising them. Take
your time and just love them.”
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